Visa delays keep 11 Canadian players from Watertown Wolves home opener

Eleven Canadian players were unavailable for the Watertown Wolves’ Oct. 16 home opener because their work visas had not cleared, leaving the Federal Prospects Hockey League team without much of its intended roster. Immigration processing delays are also affecting other FPHL teams, league officials said.

The Wolves lost 9-5 to the Danbury Hat Tricks in Watertown. The team also lost its first game of the 2026-27 season, falling 5-2 at Binghamton on Oct. 10.

Visa process changes

The FPHL has moved from the short-term B-1 visas it used in previous years to P-1A visas for international players. The P-1A classification is intended for professional athletes and is administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The change came as the league addressed federal immigration requirements. The application costs more than $2,000 per player, while expedited processing adds nearly $3,000. Watertown Wolves owner Dan Drake said the league is covering those costs.

Without expedited processing, the visa process could take two to six months. Expedited processing is expected to take 15 business days.

Impact on Watertown

The visa delays have particular significance for the Wolves because the team has fewer American players than some other FPHL clubs. With 11 players unavailable, Watertown’s opening-night roster was reduced as the team began the season.

The Wolves finished last season 14-36 and missed the playoffs. Drake bought the team from FPHL Commissioner Don Kirnan during the offseason, and Brent Clark returned as head coach.

What comes next

Drake said the team expected an update on the visa applications during the week of Oct. 19. Watertown’s next scheduled home games are Oct. 23 and 24 against Blue Ridge, with both games set for 7:05 p.m.

Tickets are available through Clubhouse Cards, including group rates for groups of 10 or more. Fans can check the Wolves’ schedule for updates on player availability.